Gun Accidentally Discharged At Willow Grove Park Mall: Police

ABINGTON, PA — A large police presence at the Willow Grove Park Mall on Wednesday was due to an accidental discharge of a firearm.

The Abington Township Police Department put out a statement Wednesday evening saying that the community was in no danger, as a report of a shooting at the shopping destination was actually an accidental discharge of a patron's firearm.

"Everything is under control and there is no threat to the community," the police department stated in a Facebook post.

Patch followed up with the police department, and an official said the matter remains under investigation.

Deputy Police Chief Chris Porter said that officers were notified by mall security just before 7:30 in the evening that shots had been fired inside the mall.

By the time Abington officers arrived on scene, Porter said, the individual had already left the property.

"Based on the evidence we have up to this point, the shot appears to be accident," Porter said.

No injuries to anyone were reported and the mall continued business as usual.

Porter said there were initial reports that the individual may have accidentally shot himself or herself, but that police are unable to confirm that as of this time.

No criminal charges have been filed as of this time, Porter said.

News of a gun going off in the mall generated lots of comments online.

"If properly holstered, there would have never been an accidental discharge," Endless Endre commented on the Abington Police Facebook post. "Thank you Abington PD for always protecting our neighbors."

Other community members questioned the mall's safety and said the shopping destination has gone downhill over the years, while others questioned the need to carry a gun at a place like a mall. The latter got some retorts saying that of all public places, spaces like malls are exactly where you'd want to have lethal protection.

"... at the Willow Grove Mall it may be a good idea," to carry a firearm, posted Vanessa Swanson.

" ... rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it," added Colleen McDermott.

According to the Willow Grove Park Mall's code of conduct, which can be found online, the carrying of firearms by anyone other than police or security officers is not permitted.